"Just call me Grandma, everybody does." And as far as I'm concerned, she was the best at being a Grandma. Growing up we lived several hours away, but when we got to see Grandma and Grandpa, we got so excited. We knew big hugs were waiting for us, ice cream treats were stashed in her ice chest, buttered popcorn would be popped, many games would be played, and walks around town and the cemetery to visit loved ones of the past were going to happen. When Grandpa passed away, Grandma didn't let that stop her. Instead she became more independent and started traveling on her own and with others. She even stayed in the dorm room with me and my friends when she would come to see me play volleyball in college. After college she visited us in CO, as my family relocated there. She would take the long bus ride out to CO because she loved us. A special memory of her was when she accompanied me on a trip to the NW states. She loved the outdoors so taking hikes and fly-fishing in cold water was a thrill for her in her early 70's. She loved my husband as soon as she met him and had no problem having a key lime food fight with him when she came to visit us in FL. She was always real, never holding back on a good laugh, and always there with a listening ear. She loved Jesus and showed His love to us and I know we were on her daily prayer list. In her later years, I didn't get to see her as much, but she continued to support me and my kids. They too got to experience some of the "special Grandma things" I got to experience as a kid. My last visit with her was so amazing. She didn't let her physical barriers interrupt us having a special moment. Instead she showed us what she was capable of and was determined to be the best hostess that she could be, even in a nursing home setting. She never stopped loving. Even in her last attempts to speak to me, she got out the words, love you. Well Grandma, now you are being loved on by our Lord and all those family and cousins you would tell us about. You are, and will continue to be missed here. However, I am so looking forward to that big hug in heaven. I love you Grandma and you will forever hold a special spot in my heart.